What does a petit jury do in the courtroom?

A petit jury, also known as a trial jury, is responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the accused in a criminal trial. The jury hears the evidence presented during the trial, which includes witness testimonies and physical evidence, and then deliberates to reach a verdict. This role is fundamental to the justice system as it ensures that a group of peers evaluates the case's details and makes a decision based on the evidence presented. The verdict reached by the petit jury directly impacts the accused individual’s fate, making this role crucial in upholding the legal standards of due process and fair trial rights.

In contrast, the other options don’t accurately describe the function of a petit jury. The jury does not decide the fate of the attorneys, handle jury instructions, or exclusively evaluate evidence from experts; rather, it reviews all the evidence presented by both sides during the trial.